Medical Students’ Perception of Online Intensive Pediatric Review: A Quasi-experimental Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Background Despite regular pediatric education, pediatric instructors regularly provide an on-site intensive pediatric review course (IPR) as per medical students (MS)’ request, to summarize pediatric knowledge in preparation for externship. However, considering the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic restrictions (e.g., social distancing), an online intensive pediatric review (OIPR) is required instead. Unfortunately, the relationship between MS’ perception and outcome of OIPR remains unclear. Methods An online mock pediatric examination (OMPE), which includes 30 multiple-choice questions, was constructed according to the Medical Council curriculum. All eligible MS attended OMPE before and after the OIPR. The constructed and validated satisfactory survey was categorized into two: demographic data and self-perceived satisfaction with OIPR. For data collection, an anonymous self-administered survey was used and was distributed to MS in April 2022. These data were then analyzed by Wilcoxon test. Results Of the 80 eligible students, 45 responded (56.3%), of which 24 (53.3%) were females. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of MS’ age was 23 ± 0.6 years. All (100%) concurred that OIPR is beneficial and recommended it to junior students who were planning to take the examination. The mean ± SD of OMPE significantly increased after OIPR, from 20.9 ± 3.8 to 22.9 ± 3.3 (p = 0.001). Conclusion During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which required social distancing, OIPR has helped MS summarize and enhance their knowledge in preparation for externship and the examination.